 Logo of the EU Advisory Group | |
| Abbreviation | EUAG |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2009 |
| Dissolved | 2014[1] |
| Type | Advisory group |
| Purpose | Gradual economic and political integration of Armenia to theEU |
| Headquarters | Yerevan |
| Location |
|
Region served | Armenia |
| Method | Public policy,reforms |
Team Leader | Antti Hartikainen |
Main organ | Advisory Board |
Parent organization | European Union |
TheEU Advisory Group to the Republic of Armenia (EUAG) (Armenian:Հայաստանի Հանրապետությունում ԵՄ խորհրդատվական խումբ,romanized: Hayastani Hanrapetut’yunum YeM khorhrdatvakan khumb) was an advisory group of theEuropean Union which was tasked with supporting theGovernment of Armenia to implement democratic reforms and to ensureArmenia met its international commitments.
The EU Advisory Group to the Republic of Armenia sought to help the government of Armenia, thePresidency,National Assembly,civil society organizations, and other national authorities to implementdemocratic reforms.[2] In addition, EUAG supported the gradual economic and political integration of Armenia to the EU, supporting closer relations between Armenia andEU member states, integratingArmenia's economy into theEuropean single market, strengtheninghuman rights in Armenia, and advancing the goals of theEuropean Neighbourhood Policy.[3][4]
EUAG supported Armenia eventually signing anAssociation Agreement andDeep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU.[3][5][6] EUAG also supported Armenian citizens being granted visa free access to theSchengen Area.[7]
In May 2010, EUAG representatives met with formerPrime Minister of ArmeniaTigran Sargsyan.[8]
On 14 December 2011, the eighth Advisory Board Meeting of the EUAG was held in Yerevan. Former EU ambassador to Armenia Traian Hristea noted Armenia's success in accelerating its reforms agenda, advancinghuman rights protections, implementingEastern Partnership recommendations, and integratingArmenian political parties into their respectiveEU political parties.[9][10]
In 2012, EUAG released its annual Action Programme for Armenia.[11] The report noted that the government of Armenia regards theEuropean integration of the country as a "fundamental national priority."[12]
In December 2012, the government of Armenia announcedintentions to join theEurasian Economic Union. EUAG raised concern that should Armenia join the Eurasian Economic Union, it would block Armenia from signing a free trade agreement with the EU.[13]
On 15 April 2013, held its twelfth Advisory Board Meeting co-chaired byArtur Baghdasaryan, former Secretary of theSecurity Council of Armenia and former ambassador Traian Hristea, Head of theEU Delegation to Armenia.[14] EUAG expressed satisfaction with the alignment of Armenian policies to EU standards. Hristea stated, "The EU Advisory Group is a landmark EU funded project that has provided assistance to Armenia on the path towards closer EU integration. The time has now come to build on developments in preparation for the future EU-Armenia Association Agreement package."[15]
In 2013, the government of Armenia, led by former PresidentSerzh Sargsyan had suddenly broken off negotiations to sign an Association Agreement with the EU to pursue membership in theRussian-led Eurasian Economic Union.[16] As a result, no Association Agreement or free trade agreement was signed and Armenia and the EU maintained the previousEU–Armenia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA).
In November 2014, EUAG celebrated its 5th year of operations in Armenia.[17]
On 18 July 2014, EUAG and representatives from theStanding Committee on European Integration, the National Assembly of Armenia's specialized committee tasked with advancing the European integration of the country, held a joint conference in Yerevan. The event was aimed at identifying how the Standing Committee could improve its role in the EU integration process.[18]
On 22 July 2014, EUAG initiated a workshop together with the National Assembly of Armenia. EUAG called for increased cooperation between the National Assembly of Armenia and theEuropean Parliament and for Armenian officials to expand working relations with other members of theEuronest Parliamentary Assembly.[19]
EUAG decided to terminate its activity in Armenia as a result of the country not signing an Association Agreement and on 9 December 2014 EUAG held its final meeting with government representatives. Former head of the Standing Committee on European Integration,Naira Zohrabyan, expressed gratitude to EUAG's contributions towards deepening relations between Armenia and the EU. Former Political Adviser of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Andrey Didenko, noted that the EU would continue to support the European integration of Armenia while former EU ambassador to Armenia Traian Hristea confirmed that cooperation with Armenia would proceed via a new format.[20]
In 2015, Armenia and the EU began renegotiating a new agreement on bilateral relations to replace the PCA. Following extensive negotiations, theArmenia–EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed by Armenia and all EU member states on 24 November 2017.
Following the2018 Armenian revolution, it was recommended that the EU Advisory Group to Armenia be reestablished as a way to counter Russian influence in Armenia, tacklecorruption, and to assist post-revolutionary Armenia to build closer ties with the EU and continue implementing its reform agenda and CEPA commitments. Many called for prime ministerNikol Pashinyan to increase engagement with Europe as a way to reduce the country's overdependence on Russia.[21]
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